Theresa May leads UK condemnation of New Zealand mosque massacres

Theresa May leads UK condemnation of New Zealand mosque massacres

Police attempt to clear people from outside a mosque in central Christchurch

Prime Minister Theresa May has led the UK condemnation of the “despicable” Christchurch mosque shootings that killed 49 people.

In a statement, the Prime Minister said she had spoken to her New Zealand counterpart, Jacinda Ardern, and that the UK “stands ready to support New Zealand however we can”.

She said: “To target Muslims as they were attending their place of worship is despicable. And our thoughts and prayers are with the people of New Zealand, with the families and friends of those who have died in these attacks and with all those who have been injured. The UK stands ready to support New Zealand however we can.

“Through terror attacks that have taken place on UK soil we know only too well the pain that such horrifying attacks can cause. As New Zealand has stood by us, so we stand shoulder to shoulder with them, and with Muslims in New Zealand, here in the UK and around the world.

“There can be no place in our societies for the vile ideology that drives and incites hatred and fear. Together we will defeat those who seek to destroy our values, our way of life and seek to divide us.”

In an earlier tweet she sent “deepest condolences to the people of New Zealand”, adding: “My thoughts are with all of those affected by this sickening act of violence.”

"On behalf of the UK, my deepest condolences to the people of New Zealand after the horrifying terrorist attack in Christchurch. My thoughts are with all of those affected by this sickening act of violence." – PM @theresa_may

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said on Twitter: “My heart goes out to the victims of the horrific terror attack in New Zealand. We stand in solidarity with the Muslim community in Christchurch and around the world.

“We must defeat the bigotry which fuels such hatred and violence.”

My heart goes out to the victims of the horrific terror attack in New Zealand.

We stand in solidarity with the Muslim community in Christchurch and around the world.

Baroness Warsi, a former Minister of State for Faith and Communities, said violence started with the “demonisation and vilification of communities”.

She tweeted: “I urge a moment of self reflection by politicians on how THEY impact public discourse around Muslims.”

I welcome colleagues condemning the murderous attack on Muslims in mosques in #NewZealandViolence is the end bt it starts with the demonisation & vilification of communities I urge a moment of self reflection by politicians on how THEY impact public discourse around Muslims 😢 pic.twitter.com/J7b5UVi1bu

“The killer also seems to have filmed the murders adding a further cold ruthlessness to his actions.

“We have said time and time again that far right extremism is a growing problem and we have been citing this for over six years now.

“That rhetoric is wrapped within anti-migrant and anti-Muslim sentiment.

“Anti-Muslim hatred is fast becoming a global issue and a binding factor for extremist far right groups and individuals.

“It is a threat that needs to be taken seriously”

Mohammed Shafiq of the Ramadhan Foundation said the attacks were by far right extremists “inspired by their hatred of Muslims and Islam”.

He said: “An attack on a place of worship is an attack against all faiths, I’m confident that in the days ahead you will see all communities come together.

“This sadly is not an isolated incident, for many years commentators, the media, politicians and far right extremists have dehumanised Islam and Muslims, have perpetuated the narrative that Muslims are responsible for the ‘ills of the world’ and that our lives are not worthy of defence.”

He added: “We call on Governments around the world to step up security for Mosques and Islamic Centres, the days ahead will be full of mourning and sadness but together as one human family we will prevail.”

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